India, Karnataka, Hampi

Hampi is a northern Karnataka village in India which is world famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time and was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, Hampi continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple and several other monuments belonging to the old city. The empire boasted a massive army comprising close to a million men. In around 1500 AD Vijaynagar had about 500,000 inhabitants making it the second largest city in the world after Peking-Beijing and almost thrice the size of Paris. Hampi ruins are spread out over an area of 26km. Hampi hosts the Hampi Utsav every year around first week of November. It is a visual delight as all the monuments/ruins are lit at night and it is a cultural extravaganza of dance and music. There are many sites of interest in and around Hampi. The must-visits are Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Monolith Bull, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Hemakuta Hill temples, Big Shivlinga, Vithala Temple (the famous Stone Chariot is located here), Hazara Rama Temple, Royal Enclosures, Queen's Bath, Zanana Enclosure, Elephant Stables, Achyut Raya temple, Statue of Lakshmi Narasimha, etc.

Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century.

Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, a giant monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha in Hampi. The statue is 2.4 metres (8 feet) tall. According to an inscription found near the statue, the pavilion that houses the statue was built in 1506 AD. The statue is in a sitting position (half-lotus posture) and has four arms.

Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, a giant monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha, is one of the popular attractions in Hampi. The statue is 2.4 metres (8 feet) tall.
The history of the statue of Sasivekalu Ganesha dates back to the 16th century. The statue is in a sitting position (half-lotus posture) and has four arms. The upper right hand of the statue has a goad while the lower right hand holds the broken tusk.

Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, a giant monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha in Hampi. The statue is 2.4 metres (8 feet) tall. The statue was constructed by a merchant from Chandragiri (a place in present day Andhra Pradesh) in memory of the then king of Vijayanagara, Narasimha II (1491 – 1505 AD).

The statue is in a sitting position (half-lotus posture) and has four arms. The upper right hand of the statue has a goad while the lower right hand holds the broken tusk.

This is the largest Linga image in Hampi. Located next to the Lakshmi Narasimha statue the Linga is housed inside a chamber with an opening in the front. A close look on this icon can reveal three eyes (depicting the three eyes of Shiva) carved on it. Legend has it that this was commissioned by a peasant woman and hence the name (Badva means poor in local tongue). The sanctum in which the Linga is installed is always filled with water as a water channel is made to flow through it.

This is the largest Linga in Hampi. Located next to the Lakshmi Narasimha statue the Linga is housed inside a chamber with an opening in the front. A close look on this icon can reveal three eyes (depicting the three eyes of Shiva) carved on it. Legend has it that this was commissioned by a peasant woman and hence the name (Badva means poor in local tongue).

The sanctum in which the Linga is installed is always filled with water as a water channel is made to flow through it.

Visitors to the Lakshmi Narasimha. The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The god sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees.

Narasimha (means half-man’half-lion in local the languages) is on of the ten incarnations (avatar) of Lord Vishnu. The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But this statue has been damaged seriously during the raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara.

Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The god sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees. Sometimes referred as Ugra Narasimha (i.e. Narasimha in its terrifying form). The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name.

The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap.

Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But this statue has been damaged seriously during the raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara. But the goddess’s hand is visible resting on his back in embracing posture.

Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his headwhile he sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees.

Narasimha (means half-man’half-lion in local the languages) is on of the ten incarnations (avatar) of Lord Vishnu. The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap.

Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The god sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees. Sometimes this is referred as Ugra Narasimha (i.e. Narasimha in its terrifying form). The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name.

Lakshmi Narasimha statue in Hampi has Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. Sometimes referred as Ugra Narasimha (i.e. Narasimha in its terrifying form). The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name. Narasimha (means half-man’half-lion in local the languages) is on of the ten incarnations (avatar) of Lord Vishnu.

Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi.
Sometimes this is referred as Ugra Narasimha (i.e. Narasimha in its terrifying form). The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name. The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But this statue has been damaged seriously during the raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara. Even the damaged portion of such a large statue of Lakshmi carved on his lap is missing. Probably it may be laying around in tiny pieces. But the goddess’s hand is visible resting on his back in embracing posture. If you get a chance to go inside this enclosure, it is possible to see the hand of the goddess. Even the nails & the rings on her fingers are so perfectly executed.

Panoramic view of Hampi near Lakshmi Narasimha temple. Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

A sanctum is built around the statue. This 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall statue is one among the largest sculptures in Hampi. The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the environs, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

View from Ganesha temple. Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

Families visiting Kadalekalu Ganesha temple. Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.

This 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall statue is one among the largest sculptures in Hampi. The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the environs, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

Children at Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple. It is a giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.

This 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall statue is one among the largest sculptures in Hampi. The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the environs, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes. The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the environs, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.

The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the environs, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

Families visiting Kadalekalu Ganesha temple resting from the hot Sun. Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.

This 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall statue is one among the largest sculptures in Hampi. The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the environs, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

Families visiting Kadalekalu Ganesha temple. Kadalekalu Ganesha - giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.

This 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall statue is one among the largest sculptures in Hampi. The pillared hall is a vantage point to survey the environs, especially the Hampi Bazaar and the foothills of Matanga Hill.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi. Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Hampi Bazar Street.
Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Hampi Bazar Street.
Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Hampi Bazaar Street at Virupaksha Temple, Hampi. Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi. Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Hampi Bazar Street near Virupaksha Temple, Hampi. Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Hampi Bazar Street near Virupaksha Temple, Hampi. Hampi, Karnataka is a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi was one of the largest and richest city in the world during its prime time when it was the imperial capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. Today it continues to be an important religious centre, housing temples and several other monuments belonging to the old city.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India. Located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra. You access the temples main entrance tower through the chariot street in front now popularly called the Hampi Bazaar.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India and is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India and is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra. You access the temples main entrance tower through the chariot street. This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard of the temple complex.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India. This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard of the temple complex. This pastel painted 9 storied tower with a pair of cow horn like projections on top is the most prominent landmark in Hampi. The lower two tiers of the tower is made of decorated stone work. The most striking feature of this court is the central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishadeva Raya. The important sub-shrines at the temple are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India. This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard of the temple complex.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India. This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard. The most striking feature of this court is the central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishadeva Raya. The important sub-shrines at the temple are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India. This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard. The most striking feature of this court is the central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishadeva Raya. The important sub-shrines at the temple are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India. This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard. The most striking feature of this court is the central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishadeva Raya. The important sub-shrines at the temple are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India. This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard. The most striking feature of this court is the central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishadeva Raya. The important sub-shrines at the temple are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India and is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra. You access the temples main entrance tower through the chariot street in front now popularly called the Hampi Bazaar.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. The most striking feature of this court is the central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishadeva Raya. The important sub-shrines at the temple are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva.

Ceiling at the Virupaksha temple. The mural panel on the central portion of the hall is one of the few remains of this form of Vijayanagara art. Most of it is based on godly themes.

Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This Lord Shiva temple is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India and is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra.